The NBA is planning on making a few effective changes to its rules and officiating. For several years, basketball stars of the league have suffered from unreasonable calls. Even fans have complained about unnecessary or unfair calls that ruin the direction of the game. Starting this upcoming season, the league plans to make changes to keep things fair for players, their coaches, and fans.
Every loyal follower of the sport knows how one-sided officiating can be at times. Players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and other elite scorers have all faced unfair officiating. Sometimes fans accused referees of siding with their favorite teams by calling significantly more calls on the opposition.
In such situations, players often lose their composure and charge at the referees in a confrontational manner. Some players get ejected for taunting the referee responsible for the call. Generally, coaches are allowed to challenge the play if they feel that it was unfair. However, coaches are only permitted one challenge every game, regardless if they fail or succeed by doing so.
The NBA plans on implementing a second challenge for coaches during the 2023-24 season
With the players and fans getting frustrated with such awful calls, the NBA has decided to make a few tweaks to its rulebook. According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, the league is planning to give coaches a second challenge. However, there’s a twist to this new rule. Coaches will only be able to exercise a second challenge if the first one is deemed successful. If not, they will not be able to retain the opportunity to do so.
The NBA plans on implementing the new rule during the upcoming 2023-24 pre-season games. Fans are glad that the league is making an effort to stop unfair calls from being given. One fan said, “Yes, they need to do this. Or at least do one per half. Woulda made a huge difference in the playoffs for a lot of teams.” Here are a couple of other reactions as well.
Yes, they need to do this. Or at least do one per half. Woulda made a huge difference in the playoffs for a lot of teams.
— Ali Salman (@ajs375) May 26, 2023
Winning your challenge should equal getting it back, not taken away. Unlimited until you lose a challenge.
— Hoop Muse (@HoopMuse) May 26, 2023
It’s another 2 commercial breaks, ofc it will be approved.
— Aaron Milk (@dairyasf) May 26, 2023
FINALLY COMMON SENSE
— 999 Bucky (@blxtzburgg999) May 26, 2023
How about start giving players tech fouls if they flop 😳
— El hebreo (@Elhebreo5) May 26, 2023
As pointed out by one of the fans, players also often flop to get fouls called against the opposition. According to Bleacher Report, the NBA is also discussing a possible free-throw penalty for flops. Determining a flop will be extremely hard and would require referees to pay close attention to the play. This too will be tested out during the 2023-24 pre-season games.
